The Wild Robot

I've heard a lot about this book. And buzz can either be accurate or not. I'm thankful to report in this case, The Wild Robot was worth the read. This was such a cute little read, and now I'd like to see the movie to see if it's as good as they say! I picked this one up as part of my middle grade market research. Several booksellers said kids were eating this one up and they were flying off the shelves. After pulling it out and setting it on my nightstand, I figured I'd just see how many pages and chapters there were - give the book my standard once-over before I dive into it the next day. Lo and behold, I read the first chapter and then looked up and realized I was 50 pages in. Not only is the story engaging and the setting a fun mismash of nature and technology, but the short, focused chapters kept me turning pages. I think I read the book in three sittings - and honestly may have read it in one if I didn't really need to go to bed like an adult. This would be good for reluctant readers or bedtime stories for your kids. Each chapter is bite-sized and leaves you wanting more. There's a great sense of momentum as you read. And the illustrations are just as quaint as the story itself. I found myself incredibly invested in this little island of animals and delighted by a few twists and turns in the story, too. I am definitely really glad I read this one and now very curious about the second one. I would certainly recommend this one. It's a heartfelt, adventurous, quick and quirky little read. And its themes of understanding, compassion, survival, persistence, forgiveness, the cycle of nature, and service to others could foster some cool conversations with kiddos. This one's done right. Middle grade, so no swearing, no romance, a little bit of nature violence and a little bit of robot violence. I'd feel comfortable giving this to most kids. There are a few deaths as a natural part of the cycle of life, so if you have a kid very sensitive to that, it may be worth reading first to judge for yourself if your kid is ready for this (which should always be the default case anyway). But nothing here was near as traumatic as Charlotte's Web or Old Yellar, so I would consider it pretty mild personally.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that blends adventure, nature, and technology in a way that appeals to readers of all ages. The story follows Roz, a robot who unexpectedly finds herself stranded on a remote island. As she navigates the challenges of survival and adapts to the natural world, she discovers the complexities of life, friendship, and what it truly means to be alive. What makes this book especially engaging is its thoughtful exploration of themes such as empathy, community, and the environment. Roz is a robot, but her journey is deeply human—her growth and learning reflect the importance of connection and understanding, even in the most unlikely circumstances. My 10-year-old daughter absolutely loved this novel. She was drawn to Roz’s transformation from a cold, programmed machine to a caring, sentient being who forms bonds with the island’s creatures. The mix of humor, adventure, and heart made it an easy read for her, while still offering depth that sparked some great conversations about nature, technology, and what it means to belong. The illustrations by Peter Brown, which complement the story, were a big hit with my daughter too. They added a rich visual element to the narrative and helped bring the world of the island and its inhabitants to life in a way that made the book even more engaging. Overall, The Wild Robot is a perfect choice for young readers, offering both entertainment and valuable lessons. It’s the kind of book that not only keeps kids hooked but also encourages them to think about the world in a deeper way. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique and heartfelt story that both children and adults can enjoy.

My preschooler and first grade homeschoolers are loving this read aloud! My first grader can read it independently, but we choose to read it as a family instead. It's very age appropriate and has a unique, imaginative storyline of a robot who becomes like a living animal when she is stranded on an island. I am charmed by the robots character as she wins over the forest and even adopts a gosling as her own! The chapters are very short, typically spanning 2 or 3 pages. There are just enough illustrations to occupy my preschooler too. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

The Wild Robot is a beautifully written and imaginative story that blends nature, technology, and emotional growth in a way that appeals to both children and adults. The short chapters make it easy to read in small sessions, and the language is accessible without feeling overly simplistic. The story encourages empathy, resilience, and adaptation, which makes it a great conversation starter for young readers. The illustrations are simple but effective, complementing the story rather than distracting from it. Roz, the robot, is a compelling character, and the themes of belonging and survival are handled in a gentle, age-appropriate way. That said, some parts of the story move a bit quickly, and readers who prefer more detailed world-building may find it slightly rushed. Additionally, sensitive readers may want guidance with a few emotional moments involving animals and survival. Overall, this is a meaningful and engaging book that works well for independent reading or read-alouds, especially for elementary-aged children.

Such a great book cant wait to start reading the other books in the series! My son loves it. And we just barely found out that it has a movie!

My 12 years old son liked it 👍

my class and i loved this book. it had a great story line and very descriptive language. thank a lot

A mark of a truly good children's book, is one that adults enjoy reading as well. This is one of those books. Bought it for my 7 yr old. We both agreed that this is by far the best book we've read together. The story is well thought out, we felt we could relate to the main characters and the author touches on several important points through the course of the book.

Une histoire prenante, émouvante, qui nous rappelle au combien l'amour et le respect sont les seules valeurs qui peut sauver notre monde. A mettre entre tout les mains d'enfants... et même d'adultes ! Ce livre ainsi que le film m'auront fait versé des larmes (je suis adultes !) Une fois commencé le Tome 1, on ne peut qu'enchainer sur le rester de la trilogie :)